Best Epidemiology Books of 2025

Plagues and Peoples by William McNeill is a thought-provoking and well-researched book that explores the impact of infectious diseases on human history. The author pays special attention to the Black Death, which killed millions across Europe and Asia. McNeill argues that the history of disease is intertwined with the history of humankind, and that infectious diseases have played a significant role in shaping cultures. With the identification of AIDS in the 1980s, the book has gained new relevance. Overall, Plagues and Peoples is a fascinating and enlightening read that offers a new perspective on human history.

When Breath Becomes Air is an inspiring memoir about a young neurosurgeon's journey through life, death, and everything in between. Paul Kalanithi's diagnosis with stage IV lung cancer forced him to confront his own mortality, transforming him from a doctor to a patient and new father. Kalanithi wrestles with questions about the meaning of life, the value of human identity, and the importance of nurturing new life as another fades away. This profoundly moving and exquisitely observed memoir is a guide and a gift to us all. It is a unique and unforgettable read that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.

Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues by Professor Jonathan Kennedy is a thought-provoking book that challenges the accepted narrative of human history. Instead of focusing on human exceptionalism, Kennedy argues that it is the role of germs that has shaped the course of history, from the rise of Homo sapiens to the birth of capitalism. Drawing on the latest research, the book explores eight major outbreaks of infectious diseases that have changed the world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in epidemiology, history, and anthropology.

The Age of Scientific Wellness is a groundbreaking book that explores the future of healthcare. Leroy Hood and Nathan Price argue that we must move beyond the traditional reactive approach and embrace "scientific wellness" - a form of highly personalized care that uses data gleaned from our blood and genes to catch the onset of disease years before symptoms arise. This book shares actionable insights that can help readers live a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. The authors' vision is inspiring, and the results they present are startling. The Age of Scientific Wellness is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of medicine and healthcare.

The 24th edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater is an essential resource for professionals in the field of environmental water analysis. The book features updated and clarified procedures, new sections on biological toxin analysis and the detection of Naegleria fowleri, and a major reorganization that makes methods easier to access. Published by the American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, and Water Environment Federation, this edition is the culmination of thousands of hours of volunteer effort by experts. With 82 new or updated methods, it is a must-have for anyone in the water quality and treatment field.

The Encyclopedia of Primary Prevention and Health Promotion is an extensive four-volume set covering more than 250 topics in the fields of public health and prevention. Written by an international team of contributors, the encyclopedia takes a lifespan approach to illness prevention and health promotion. Each entry follows a structured format and concludes with a "See Also" box recommending further reading. The second edition expands on the first edition, adding entries on gender, African American and Latino issues, social support, social and emotional learning, and physical health and disease. Overall, this encyclopedia is an essential reference for practitioners, students, and researchers working in prevention, public health, and psychology.

The Gordis Epidemiology, 6th Edition, is a comprehensive guide to the basic principles and concepts of epidemiology, providing practical applications in public health and clinical practice. The book features expanded coverage of genetic epidemiology, ethical and professional issues, and public policy, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the role of epidemiology in today's data-driven society. The use of full-color figures, graphs, charts, and cartoons help readers retain key information. The end-of-chapter questions and online self-assessment questions make it an excellent reference for students and professionals alike. Overall, the Gordis Epidemiology is an essential resource for anyone interested in epidemiology.

The book "The COVID-19 VACCINES & Beyond ..." is a highly-documented collaboration between a retired attorney and two physicians that presents compelling evidence that challenges what we have been told about COVID-19. The book raises important questions about the necessity and safety of vaccines, and how "all things COVID" fit into the bigger picture and impact everyone on the planet. The authors argue that those in the medical industrial complex we trusted to protect us have been lying from the beginning. This book is not just about data; it tells a story that every American needs to hear. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to make an informed decision about COVID-19 vaccines.

The Premonition: A Pandemic Story by Michael Lewis is a gripping nonfiction thriller that chronicles the response of medical visionaries to the COVID-19 outbreak. As the Trump administration faltered, a secret team of dissenting doctors known as the Wolverines, fought to implement their work and save lives. Lewis masterfully weaves together the stories of these unsung heroes and their fight against misinformation and bureaucracy. This book is a must-read for those interested in public health and government response to pandemics.

Designing Clinical Research is a comprehensive guide for healthcare practitioners involved in clinical and public health research. The book provides practical and up-to-date approaches to designing, funding, and implementing a study. The fifth edition features new figures, tables, and design, as well as new editors, new content, and extensively updated references. It covers clinical research in its many forms, including clinical trials, observational studies, translational science, and patient-oriented research. The book also discusses key changes in the field, such as confounding, surrogate outcomes, and machine learning. The addition of new chapters on qualitative approaches to clinical research and community-engaged research makes this book unique and valuable for researchers.